Village of Mosuo Ethnic People in Yunnan Ethnic Villages, Kunming
Chinese Name: 云南民族村之摩梭之家
English Name: Village of Mosuo Ethnic People in Yunnan Ethnic Villages, Kunming
Location
The Village of Mosuo Ethnic People is part of the Yunnan Ethnic Villages, which is a large cultural park located in Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province. The park is dedicated to showcasing the diverse cultures and traditions of Yunnan’s ethnic groups. The Mosuo Village is nestled near the shores of the scenic Lugu Lake and reflects the authentic living environment of the Mosuo people.
Introduction
The Village of Mosuo Ethnic People features traditional “Mulen Houses” (木楞房) made entirely of wood logs, showcasing the simple yet elegant architectural style of the Mosuo people. These houses are built in the form of a courtyard with buildings on all four sides, known as “Mosuo Homestead” or “Silu Yuquwa,” which means “log house.” The Mosuo people, a branch of the Naxi ethnic group, predominantly reside in the Yongning area of the northwest Yunnan Plateau by Lugu Lake. The population of the Mosuo people is around 80,000. They still retain their matrilineal clan system and matrilineal family lifestyle, practices that have attracted anthropologists worldwide and have added an element of mystique and exoticism to the Mosuo culture.
Mosuo Culture and Customs
Housing and Architecture:
The Mosuo houses are constructed using a unique method of stacking logs horizontally to form walls, creating buildings known as “Mulen Houses” (木楞房). These houses have good thermal insulation properties, reflecting the Mosuo people’s adaptation to their natural environment. The traditional courtyard houses usually include a main house, a sutra hall, a flower house, and a gate tower.
Matriarchal Family Structure:
The Mosuo people still practice a matrilineal family system. The grandmother’s room, located in the main house facing south, is the heart of the Mosuo household. This room serves as the sleeping area, guest reception space, and a place for family discussions and religious activities. The Mosuo grandmother holds the highest status in the family, managing finances and making important decisions.
Marriage Customs – “Walking Marriage”:
The Mosuo practice a unique marriage system known as “walking marriage” (阿注走婚). In this system, men do not marry women, and women do not marry men. Instead, men visit their partners at night and return to their own families in the morning. The relationship is based on mutual affection and is known as “Azhu” (阿注), which means friend. Children born from these unions are raised by their mother’s family, and the uncle (mother’s brother) plays a significant role in their upbringing.
Religion and Beliefs:
The Mosuo people are followers of Tibetan Buddhism, also known as Lamaism. Their homes often feature a sutra hall where religious ceremonies are conducted. These halls are adorned with Buddhist statues, prayer wheels, and butter lamps, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Traditional Festivals and Activities:
During festivals, Mosuo girls offer butter tea, perform dances, and sing traditional songs like “Ma Da Mi” (玛达咪). They also engage visitors in rowing traditional pig-trough boats, showcasing their vibrant cultural heritage.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Village of Mosuo Ethnic People is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and conducive to outdoor activities. These seasons are ideal for experiencing traditional festivals and engaging in cultural activities. The Mosuo people’s annual Torch Festival and Mizhi Festival, celebrated with much enthusiasm, offer unique insights into their rich cultural heritage.
How to Get There
To reach the Village of Mosuo Ethnic People, visitors typically first travel to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Kunming is well-connected by air, rail, and road to major cities in China. From Kunming, the Yunnan Ethnic Villages can be easily reached by taxi or public bus, located about 8 kilometers southwest of the city center. The park is a popular tourist attraction, and transportation options are readily available.
Useful Travel Tips
- Cultural Respect: The Mosuo people have unique customs and traditions. Visitors should be respectful of local practices, especially those related to their matrilineal society and religious beliefs.
- Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos of local people, especially during ceremonies or in private settings.
- Local Cuisine: Be sure to try traditional Mosuo dishes, such as yak butter tea and “pipa meat” (a type of preserved pork). These dishes provide a taste of authentic Mosuo flavors.
- Festivals: If possible, plan your visit to coincide with Mosuo festivals to experience the rich cultural activities, such as dancing, singing, and boating in traditional pig-trough boats on Lugu Lake.
- Shopping: Local handicrafts, including handwoven textiles and silver jewelry, make excellent souvenirs and support the local economy.
